K27
Non-Billable (Header)Peptic ulcer, site unspecified
Last updated: FY2026 ICD-10-CM (Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026) | CMS-HCC V28 (100% phase-in, PY2026)
What This Code Means
K27 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for peptic ulcer, site unspecified. K27 sits in the ICD-10-CM chapter for diseases of the digestive system (k00-k95), within the section covering diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum (k20-k31).
Header codes like K27 cannot be reported on claims directly — they organize child codes that share clinical context but the actual diagnosis must be coded to the highest level of specificity supported by the documentation. Coders should look at K27's child codes and select the one that matches the patient's documented presentation, since payers reject header codes submitted as the primary diagnosis. For risk adjustment workflows, header codes never contribute to a Medicare Advantage member's RAF score on their own; only billable child codes that happen to map to a payment HCC affect risk-adjusted plan payments.
HCC Buddy maintains structured V28 and V24 mapping, RAF weights, and MEAT documentation criteria for K27 sourced directly from the CMS-HCC risk adjustment model files and the CMS ICD-10-CM code set.
Includes
- gastroduodenal ulcer NOS
- peptic ulcer NOS
Excludes 1 — Do NOT code together
- peptic ulcer of newborn (P78.82)
Use Additional Code
- code to identify:
- alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)